Gripping apparatus and devices for plugging of pipes, orifices or connecting

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a gripping apparatus, for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, the apparatus having at least one discrete gripping device mounted on a body, wherein the body is a wedge cone; an outer surface on each of the at least one discrete gripping device, wherein the outer surface has a transition surface defined by a means for reducing any sharp transition point; a collective actuation-retraction mechanism connected to the wedge cone and to each of the at least one discrete gripping device; and a collective extension-retractable mechanism connected to each of at least one discrete gripping device. The disclosure further relates to an alternative exemplary embodiment wherein the gripping apparatus further includes a spring, wherein the spring pre-biases each of the at least one discrete gripping device beyond the inside radius of the pipe to instantly grip the inside radius.

STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

Plugging systems for plugging pipes in, for example but not limited to,refineries, petro-chemical plants, and power plants.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A gripping apparatus for use in gripping a pipe, for holding forces, orrestraining relative movement. The pipe defines an inside radius. Thegripping apparatus has an outer surface where the outer surface definesa transition surface or a curve. In certain embodiments the transitionsurface or curve may have a radius less than or equal to the insideradius of the pipe.

The disclosure further relates to a gripping apparatus, for use inconnecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, theapparatus having at least one discrete gripping device mounted on abody, wherein the body is a wedge cone; an outer surface on each of theat least one discrete gripping device, wherein the outer surface has atransition surface defined by a means for reducing any sharp transitionpoint; a collective actuation-retraction mechanism connected to thewedge cone and to each of the at least one discrete gripping device; anda collective extension-retractable mechanism connected to each of the atleast one discrete gripping device. The disclosure further relates to analternative exemplary embodiment wherein the gripping apparatus furtherincludes a spring, wherein the spring pre-biases each of the at leastone discrete gripping device beyond the inside radius of the pipe toinstantly grip the inside radius.

As used herein the term “pipe” shall refer to a conduit, pipe, tubular,duct, casing and/or the like. As used herein the term “connection” shallor may include plugging at such connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiments may be better understood, and numerousobjects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings. These drawings are used toillustrate only exemplary embodiments, and are not to be consideredlimiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equallyeffective exemplary embodiments. The figures are not necessarily toscale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shownexaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity andconciseness.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a gripping plug according to oneembodiment within a cross-section of pipe with balls gripping the pipe.

FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1showing the gripping apparatus in cross-section.

FIG. 2A is a view similar to FIG. 2 with the conventional pluggingdevice in cross-section.

FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1showing the balls retracted, retracting, or just prior to release.

FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1showing the balls extended for active gripping.

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic perspective view of another embodiment havinga gripping pad in conjunction with a ball.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic perspective view of another embodimentdepicting a pocket or channel insert for use with balls.

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic perspective view of pocket or channel insertaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a schematic perspective view of pocket or channel insertaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic perspective view of pocket or channel insertaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of ballbore inserts mounted to insert ring.

FIG. 10A depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of a gripping apparatus of a hardened ball sleevedesign/type.

FIG. 11 depicts a schematic perspective view of an embodiment ofgripping apparatus used separately as a safety stop to block the pipeinner diameter to keep a plug from ejecting.

FIG. 12 depicts a schematic perspective view of an embodiment ofmultiple ball bore inserts on multiple joined insert plates.

FIG. 13 depicts a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of ballson one cone per row of balls single spring cam actuated.

FIG. 14A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of adisk.

FIG. 14B depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aroller.

FIG. 15 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with disks having the disksindividually extended into gripping position.

FIG. 16 depicts a sectional schematic perspective view of the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 15 showing the gripping apparatus with individualspring actuation of the individually extended disks.

FIG. 17 depicts a sectional schematic perspective view of an alternateexemplary embodiment of a gripping apparatus with disks with individualspring pin shoe actuation on the individual disks.

FIG. 18 depicts a schematic perspective view of the exemplary embodimentof the FIG. 17 gripping apparatus with individually actuated disks eachactuated for engaging the pipe (shown in cross-section).

FIG. 19 depicts a sectional schematic perspective view of the exemplaryembodiment of the FIGS. 17 and 18 gripping apparatus with the spring pinshoe and disk for engagement of the pipe, and the center or section ofthe wedge slot.

FIG. 20 depicts a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodimentsimilar to FIG. 15 of a plugging device and a gripping apparatus withrollers extended individually for gripping the geometry of the innerdiameter of the pipe.

FIG. 21 depicts a sectional schematic perspective view of an alternateexemplary embodiment of a gripping apparatus with individually orindependently actuated rolling wedge jaws.

FIG. 22 depicts a partial sectional schematic perspective view of anexemplary embodiment similar to FIG. 21 of a gripping apparatus withwedge jaw(s) removed to represent the linear roller assembly.

FIG. 23 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with wedge jaws retracted.

FIG. 24 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with wedge jaws actuated.

FIG. 25 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with wedge jaws retracted.

FIG. 26 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with wedge jaws actuated.

FIG. 27 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of awedge jaw.

FIG. 28 depicts a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa wedge jaw.

FIG. 29 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with balls actuated.

FIG. 30 depicts a schematic perspective view in cross-section of theexemplary embodiment of a gripping apparatus of FIG. 29 with ballsactuated.

FIG. 31 depicts a schematic perspective view in section of the exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus of FIGS. 29-30 with balls retracted.

FIG. 32 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with rollers at least partiallyretracted.

FIG. 33 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with rollers of FIG. 32 showingrollers individually or independently at least partially actuated oractuated to grip the inner diameter of the pipe (shown incross-section).

FIG. 34 depicts an enlarged schematic top end view or end sectional viewof the exemplary embodiment of a gripping apparatus with rollers ofFIGS. 32-33, not within the tube.

FIG. 35 depicts a schematic perspective view, partially in section, ofan alternate exemplary embodiment of a gripping apparatus with slidingjaws.

FIG. 36 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus for external gripping with balls atleast partially actuated.

FIG. 37 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a wedgejaw.

FIG. 38 depicts a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 depicts a side-end view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37-38.

FIG. 40 depicts a side view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37-39.

FIG. 41 depicts a schematic sectional perspective view of an alternateexemplary embodiment of a gripping apparatus with wedge jaws.

FIG. 42 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with wedge jaws.

FIG. 43 depicts a schematic sectional perspective view of an alternateexemplary embodiment of a gripping apparatus with wedge jaws.

FIG. 44 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with wedge jaws.

FIG. 44A is similar to FIG. 44 and shows a sectional perspective view ofa front gripping apparatus with independently self-actuated jaws havingthe jaws retracted.

FIG. 44B is similar to FIG. 44 and shows a perspective view of a reargripping apparatus with independently self-actuated jaws having the jawsactuated.

FIG. 44C is similar to FIG. 44A and shows a sectional perspective viewof a rear gripping apparatus with independently self-actuated jawshaving the jaws retracted.

FIG. 45 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a wedgejaw having an exemplary embodiment of texturing.

FIG. 46 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a wedgejaw having an exemplary embodiment of texturing.

FIG. 47 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with individually or independentlyactuated wedge jaws with the wedge jaws extended.

FIG. 48 depicts a sectional schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment according to FIG. 47 of a gripping apparatus with wedgejaw(s) extended to engage.

FIG. 49 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with a wedge jaw.

FIG. 50 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with independently self-actuatedwedge jaw(s) retracted.

FIG. 51 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with independently self-actuatedwedge jaw(s) extended to engage.

FIG. 52 depicts a schematic perspective view of an alternate exemplaryembodiment of a gripping apparatus with independently self-actuatedwedge jaw(s) extended to engage/lift the pipe.

FIG. 53 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acollectively actuated and retracted gripping apparatus having at leastone discrete gripping device with a textured outer surface with twowedge cones.

FIG. 54 depicts a schematic sectional perspective view of the embodimentshown in FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 depicts a perspective view of an alternate exemplary embodimentof a collectively actuated and retracted gripping apparatus having atleast one discrete gripping device with a textured outer surface withtwo wedge cones.

FIG. 56 depicts a perspective view of an alternative exemplaryembodiment of a collectively actuated and retracted gripping apparatushaving at least one discrete gripping device with a textured outersurface having a single wedge cone.

FIG. 57 depicts a schematic sectional perspective view of the embodimentshown in FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 depicts an enlarged partial perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a discrete gripping device on a conical wedge of acollectively actuated and retracted gripping apparatus.

FIG. 59 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acollectively actuated and retracted gripping apparatus having at leastone discrete gripping device with a textured outer surface with afacetted wedge cone.

FIG. 60 depicts a schematic sectional perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a collectively actuated-retracted and instantly grippingapparatus.

FIG. 61 depicts a schematic sectional perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a collectively actuated-retracted and instantly grippingapparatus partly inserted into a pipe.

FIG. 62 depicts a schematic sectional perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a collectively actuated-retracted and instantly grippingapparatus partly inserted into a pipe.

FIG. 63 depicts a schematic sectional perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a collectively actuated-retracted and instantly grippingapparatus inserted into a pipe, wherein at least one discrete grippingdevice is placed to the desired depth within the pipe.

FIG. 64 depicts a schematic sectional perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a collectively actuated-retracted and instantly grippingapparatus or plug inserted into a pipe, wherein the gripping apparatusor plug is collectively actuated and engaged with the pipe innerdiameter.

FIG. 65 depicts a schematic sectional perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a collectively actuated-retracted and instantly grippingapparatus or plug inserted into a pipe, wherein the gripping apparatusor plug is collectively retracted from the pipe inner diameter.

FIG. 66 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acollectively actuated-retracted and instantly gripping apparatus havingat least one discrete gripping device with a textured outer surface.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus, methods,techniques, and instruction sequences that embody techniques of theinventive subject matter. However, it is understood that the describedembodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 an exemplary embodiment of a gripping or graspingplug 10 in a pipe, orifice or tube 12 is shown. Such a gripping plug 10is for use in plugging pipes 12 in, for example but not limited to,refineries, petro-chemical plants, and power plants (in e.g. exchangers,heater, boilers, etc.) for reasons of safety, cleaning, maintenance,construction, welding, testing, etc. Such a gripping plug 10 may be usedfor making a connection to a tube or pipe 12, such as, by way of exampleonly, for connecting a cable to an open tube anchored subsea on theocean floor, or as, by way of example only, for establishing one or moreelectrical connections. Gripping plug 310 (see FIG. 36) may also be usedfor plugging externally or making an external connection to a pipe, rodor tube 312.

The gripping plug 10 includes a conventional or other plugging device 20(e.g. double-block, expansion, etc.). The conventional or other pluggingdevice 20 in one exemplary conventional embodiment includes seals (e.g.polyurethane seals) 22 and clamping plates 24 a, 24 b, 24 c which may besqueezed together, for example, by bolts 25. Inner limit rings 26 borderthe inner diameter of the seals 22, abut portions of the clamping plates24 a, 24 b, 24 c, prohibit inward squeezed of the seals 22. One or moreof clamping plates 24 a, 24 b, and 24 c define a hole 28 therethrough. Avent tube 30 may be mounted or attached within one of more of clampingplates 24 a, 24 b, and 24 c through holes 28. The vent tube 30 extendsthrough the plugging device 20 to optional vent the pipe 12 past theplugging device 20.

In the exemplary embodiment shown the gripping plug 10 includes agripping or gripping apparatus 40. It is to be noted that the grippingapparatus 40 may be mounted, attached, or unitary on theagainst-pressure or fluid sealed side 14 of the plugging device 20 (asshown), on the atmospheric side 16 (see, e.g., FIGS. 43-44), or may beseparate from the plugging device 20 (see, e.g., FIG. 11).

In one exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-4 the gripping apparatus40 includes a ball actuated with retaining cage 42 (the balls 70 areindividually/discretely spring actuated being held back by either pipe12 engagement or the retaining cage/ball retraction cage 42). A rod 32may be extended through the vent tube 30. A bar or key 34 is attached toone end 33 of the rod 32. A lever 36 (cam actuated as shown in FIG. 1-2with FIG. 3 showing the retaining cage 42 retracting theindividually/discretely actuated spring balls 70 when the cam lever 36is actuated pulling the retaining cage 42 opposite in direction to arrow13, and threadably actuated, supported or calibrated FIG. 11) isattached to the other end 35 of the rod 32. As will be appreciated fromthe figures of the drawings the lever 36, rod 32 and bar 34 are used foractuation (in this case retraction of the individually spring actuatedballs by the ball retraction/retaining cage 42). The bar 34 may take theform of a key of the rod 32 is to be spring-actuated (not shown).

The exemplary embodiment of the ball actuated with retaining cage 42represented in FIGS. 1-4, generally includes an assembly of sleeve 80welded with bar 34. The greater assembly of this exemplary embodimenthas one or more wedge bore rings or annular ball-mounting bodies 50,spring(s) 60, ball(s) as discrete gripping devices 70, and the sleeve80. Many other embodiments are possible.

The exemplary embodiment of annular ball-mounting body or bodies 50shown defines an inner void 52 for passage of the rod 32. The outersurface 54 of the annular ball-mounting bodies 50 define inclined (ortransverse) mounting pockets or track(s) 56. In the embodiment shown theinclined mounting pockets or tracks 56 are arcuate in cross-section(e.g. partial cylindrical bores) to match the ball(s) 70. The angle ofincline 57 of the inclined mounting pockets or tracks 56 is defined inrelation to the axial direction of the rod 32 or central passage 13 ofthe pipe 12. The outer surface 54 of the annular ball-mounting bodies 50further define stop-surface(s) 58 at the inner end of each respectiveinclined mounting pockets or track(s) 56. In the embodiment shown thestop-surfaces 58 function as a spring 60 mounting surface and ball 70inward stop. The annular ball-mounting bodies 50 may further defineholes 59 which may be used for bolting or attaching the grippingapparatus 40 to the plugging device 20 (other means of attachment, ifdesired, such as, for example, welding, machined, cast, or formedintegral element of the bottom clamping plate 24 c may be implemented byone skilled in the art).

The spring(s) 60 actuate the balls 70 as regulated by sleeve 80 asfurther described below. Springs 60 of other types than as shown may beimplemented. Springs 60 may be eliminated and replaced by another meansof actuation including but not limited to hydraulic, pneumatic,electrical, magnetic, thermal, gravitational or other mechanicaldevices. The force of springs 60 or any individual spring within aparticular embodiment can be varied as desired by one skilled in the artto effectuate a desirable grip.

The balls(s) 70 are actuated by the springs 60 as further describedbelow and float to contact the inner diameter of the pipe 12. Balls 70preferably have a round/spherical outer surface 72 for the purpose oflocking the device without marking or damaging the inside pipe surface12 a or at most dimpling (cold working) when contacting the pipe 12 asopposed to creating a point, cut or juncture of stress, and for travelas further described below.

The exemplary embodiment of the sleeve 80 shown defines opening(s) 82shaped to allow the balls 70 to release via spring 60 actuation. Thespecific shape of the openings 82 may be circular, ovular, oblong,slotted, etc. The inner dimensions of the openings preferably functionto allow release of the spring 60 actuated balls 70 and may be limitedto prevent escape of the balls 70 (i.e. have a limiting dimension lessthan the outer diameter of the balls 70). The number of opening(s) 82may be complimentary to the number of springs 60, balls 70 and inclinedmounting tracks 56. The solid inner dimensions of the sleeve 80preferably function to limit or hold the balls 70 in place against theforce of the spring 60.

The angle of incline 57 of the inclined mounting tracks 56 may varyaccording to the inner diameter of the pipe 12. In one example, asteeper angle may be used according to or as the diameter of the pipe 12increases. One skilled in the art will appreciate the angle of incline57 may be used to effectuate a proper grip, grasp or lock within a pipe12 of any given inner diameter. The respective angles if incline 57 mayeven be varied within individual inclined mounting tracks 56 within agiven embodiment to match the desired gripping strength of any givenindividual or group of balls 70.

Different options or embodiments of gripping apparatus 40 may includedifferent combinations of springs 60, balls 70, openings 82 in sleeve80, and inclined mounting tracks 56. By way of example, but not limitedto, the foregoing could be arranged in a single row, with one ball only,with two balls only, with staggered balls, with thirty-six balls, someballs could be spring loaded whilst others are not, etc. FIG. 5 shows anexemplary embodiment of a load distribution cap 90. The loaddistribution cap 90 may be used in combination with the balls 70 (orwithout) to function or create a clamp pad surface 92 for gripping theinner diameter of the pipe 12. The load distribution cap 90 may havesockets 94 for receiving the balls 70. The clamp pad surface 92 may betextured or coated for enhancing the grip or frictional contact betweenthe clamp pad surface 92 and the inner diameter of the pipe 12.

FIG. 6 represents one exemplary embodiment of a pocket or channel insert100. The channel insert 100 may be used instead of or in replacement ofthe inclined mounting pockets or tracks 56, used as an individual ballpocket or channel, with grooves 102 for loading balls 70. The channelinsert 100 may be attached to the annular ball mounting body 50 usingany known means of attachment.

FIGS. 7-9 represent other exemplary embodiments of a pocket or channelinserts 200 (FIG. 7), 300 (FIG. 8), 400 (FIG. 9) similar to FIG. 6 buthaving a different angle of incline 57.

In FIG. 7, ball bore/channel insert 200 is designed to be mounted to aflat back face with a cylindrical nose/roller 110 that may be slotted asin FIG. 10. The bore end may be closed as shown or through the end sothat the mating surface defines the end of the ball track or pocket 103.

In FIG. 8, ball bore insert 300 is a similar wedge block to ball boreinsert 200, with the ball bore pocket split to allow the pocket to bemilled with ball end mills or the like. The mounting body/channel 102end may be closed as shown or through the end so that the mating surfacedefines the end of the ball track or pocket 103.

In FIG. 9, ball bore insert 400 is a ball channel or track similar toball bore insert 300, but is designed to fit into a tapered slot to setthe wedge angle on a ring similar to FIG. 10. This ring could be asimple conic and even use the abutting plate for back support. It couldalso be made of a plurality of wedge angle facets forming a supportivecone shaped diameter. The mounting body/channel 102 end may be closed asshown or through the end so that the mating surface defines the end ofthe ball track or pocket 103.

All of these exemplary embodiments of a pocket or channel inserts 100,200, 300, 400 can be made of a sufficiently hard or heattreatable-material to provide strength and wear resistance to the ballclamping forces. The pocket or channel inserts 100, 200, 300, 400 may beattached in any manor including but not limited to locked tabs andgroove, pins, bolts, adhesives, press fits or welding. Ball pocket(s)may fully capture the individually actuated balls without the use of asecondary ball cage.

FIG. 10 depicts a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of agripping apparatus 40 having ball bore inserts (e.g. 100, 200, 300, 400,etc.) mounted to insert ring 110. FIG. 10A depicts a schematicperspective view of an alternative embodiment of a gripping apparatus 40of a hardened ball sleeve design/type with a hard sleeve tube 111 havingball bores 112 for respective hard bearing balls 70 (not shown in FIG.10A) to be able to roll freely without dimpling the inner diameter boresof pipes or tubes 12 a from high gripping loads (not shown in FIG. 10A).The embodiment of FIG. 10A allows for much higher forces with, forexample, a lightweight (aluminum) ring 110 a and hardened sleeves 114adding strength where most desired. Using the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 10A as an example, but not limited to such embodiment, such agripping apparatus 40 may be used/implemented as a modular grippingmodule with one or more balls, disk, rollers or jaws that can be addedas needed to a mounting ring or plate to match any pipe shape ordiameter. Multiple gripping rings (modular or standard multiple gripperpocket rings) can be added in layers as needed to achieve a desiredgripping strength (see, e.g., FIG. 12). Such rings can be oriented toresist movement in either or both direction.

FIG. 11 depicts a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of agripping apparatus 40 used separately (preferably on the atmosphericside 16) as a safety stop to block the pipe 12 inner diameter to keep aplug 20 from ejecting.

FIG. 12 depicts a schematic perspective view of a gripping apparatus 40multiple ball bore inserts (e.g. 100, 200, 300, 400, etc.) on multiplejoined insert plates 120.

FIG. 13 represents another exemplary embodiment where the retaineractuates the balls 70, namely, the embodiment shown depicts a grippingapparatus 40 of balls 70 on one cone per row of balls 70 single spring160 over rod or tube 32 (cam or twist actuated) mounted together as anannular ball mounting body 150 with sleeve 180.

In alternative embodiments, the gripping apparatus 40 may include disksas discrete gripping devices 100 or rollers discrete gripping devices110 in place of balls 70. An exemplary embodiment of a disk 100 isdepicted in FIG. 14A, and an exemplary embodiment of a roller 110 isdepicted in FIG. 14B. The rollers 110 and disks 100 function similar tothe balls 70 as they may all be individually/discretely actuated bysprings (or any other means of actuation) to conform to any pipe 12ovality, imperfection in roundness, variation, deformation orabnormality in the pipe inside surface, inside diameter, or orifice 12a. Accordingly, all of the balls 70, rollers 110 and disks 100, and jawsas discrete gripping devices (150, 250) are capable of locking orsecuring into the pipe surface 12 a (individually or concurrentlycollectively actuated) as compared to having just a few areas of unequalcontact pressure as found in conventional jaw style gripping mechanisms.Disks 100 may secure into or engage with the pipe internal surface 12 avia the disk outer surface 108; and rollers 110 may engage with the pipesurface 12 a via the roller outer surfaces 118. The balls 70, disks 100and rollers 110 may lock without marking or make shallow dimple or makedimple marks into the pipe surface 12 a (similar to, for example, aBrinell hardness test) compressing the metal grain structure withoutgouging or cutting into the pipe internal diameter 12 a. The balls 70,disks 100 and rollers 110 disclosed herein only apply gripping force(other than the small spring 60 force used to engage the balls 70, disks100 and/or rollers 110 to the surface of the pipe internal surface ordiameter 12 a and mounting bodies 50,102) unless or until the pluggingdevice 20 moves or slips. In the disclosed embodiments, if nothingmoves, the gripping balls 70, rollers 110 and/or disks 100 cannot damagethe pipe 12 as they may just be in light rolling contact with the pipeinternal diameter 12 a.

In any exemplary embodiment the gripping apparatus 40 mayindividually/discretely, or may also collectively and/or concurrentlyactivate respective balls, cylinders, rollers, disks, jaws or anydiscrete gripping device 100, 120, etc.

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict exemplary embodiments of a disk 100 and aroller 110, respectively, each which can be used with a gripping device120. Note that disk 100 of FIG. 14A has a more rounded outer surface 108when compared to the outer surface 118 of the roller 110 in FIG. 14B.Disk 100 may, in certain embodiments, be a “slice” or a section of aball 70. Further, the disk 100 or roller 110 can have a plurality ofcurvatures to the outer surface 108, 118. In certain embodiments, thedisk 100 or roller 110 has a surface arc or curve 108 a or 118 a thatnearly matches or is complementary to the internal diameter or surface12 a of the pipe 12. When the width of the disk 100 is widened, it mayresemble the roller 110 in design. Optionally, the disk 100 or roller110 may also include radius edges 119. The width of the outer surfaces108, 118 and the surface curves 108 a and 118 a may be adjusted asdesired (i.e. surface curve 108 a and/or 118 a may be substantially flator curved as desired). Disk sections with a different contact radiusthan the disk radius (i.e. the outer surface 108 a/118 a of the disk isnot necessarily a perfect cylinder and, for example, may have an ovularor curved arc/curve 108 a, 118 a) may be used/implemented to providecloser spacing and a greater contact area to spread out the forces tothe gripping surfaces to gradually decrease from the contact center tothe edge of the contact area.

FIGS. 15-19 display various alternate embodiments of a grippingapparatus 120 with disks 100 which are configured to engage the pipeinternal surface or diameter 12 a. FIG. 20 depicts a schematicperspective view of an embodiment of a gripping apparatus 120 withrollers 110. Similar to gripping or grasping apparatus 40 disclosed inthe FIGS. 1-13 and associated paragraphs, the gripping apparatus 120 maybe used in conjunction with a plugging device 20 and may also includeannular mounting bodies 102, springs 126, and a sleeve 122. The disks100 and/or rollers 110 may be mounted adjacent to a spring 126 and ontotracks or pockets 103 that have a flat or curved bottom surface definedin mounting body 102. The gripping apparatus 120 may optionally alsoinclude blocks/spring shoe 106 situated between the spring 126 and thedisk 100 or roller 110 (one end of the spring 126 may be connected tothe block/spring shoe 106 and the block in turn pushes disk 100 orroller 110). While depicted as rectangular in shape in FIGS. 17-19,blocks/spring shoes 106 may be of any desired shape—as an example, andnot limited, to, see FIGS. 29-33, wherein the embodiments of the blocks173, 106 are shown as washer-like or cylindrical shapes. Differentoptions or embodiments of gripping apparatus 120 may include differentcombinations of springs 126, disks 100/rollers 110, slots 124 in sleeve122, and mounting tracks 103. By way of example, but not limited to, theforegoing could be arranged in a single row, with one disk/roller only,with two disks/rollers only, with staggered disks/rollers, withthirty-six disks/rollers, some disks/rollers could be spring loadedwhilst others are not, and/or with some combination of balls, disks, androllers, etc.

The gripping apparatus 120 may have multiple layers of mounting bodies102. The layers of mounting bodies 102 may each be separated by a plate134. Each mounting body 102 may have one or more defined tracks 103which may guide the movement of a disk 100 or a roller 110. The tracks103 may be inclined or transverse along an angle or incline 105 asdefined with respect to the surface of the pipe internal diameter 12 a.Additionally, the mounting bodies 102 may define a throughbore 104through which a rod or bolt 130 may travel therethrough. Plates 134 maydefine or function as inward stops for the disk 100 or roller 110.Furthermore, plates 134 may also function as a spring 126 mountingsurface. The rod or bolt 130 may also include a threaded end 131, whichmay thread through a throughbore 136 of the plates 134.

The sleeve 122 of the gripping apparatus 120 when assembled, slips overthe mounting body 102, wherein the disks 100 or rollers 110 may extendat least partially beyond or out of the sleeve 122 through slots oropenings 124 defined in the sleeve 122, when the gripping apparatus 120is at least partially actuated. The sleeve 122 may also include openings123 defined near one end of the sleeve 122, where an end 133 of an arm(or potentially a lever) 132 of the gripping apparatus 120 may beinserted.

Additionally, in certain embodiments (see FIGS. 17-19), each of thesprings 126 may optionally be mounted onto or around a pin 128. The pin128 may provide additional support to springs 126. When alternateembodiments include the pins 128, the plates 134 may have plate openings135 which allow the travel of the pin 128 through the plate 134 ormounting/fixing of the pin 128 in the plate 134. Optionally, some ends128 a of the pins 128 may butt against the end 133 of the arm or lever132, when the pins 128 are included with the “top” layer of the mountingbodies 102. On secondary or subsequent layers of mounting bodies 102,optionally the top end 128 a of the pins 128 may butt against a disk 100or roller 110 from an above layer.

The rollers 110/disks 100 are spring actuated up the track/ramp 103until stopped by the pipe ID 12 a or the disk/roller cage/sleeve 122 orslot on the wedge (cage free design).

Bolt 130 holds the assembly together and can be used to mount to eitherend of a test plug. Any force applied to the bolt 130 is transferred tothe endplates 134 to the mounting body/wedges 103 to the rollers 110 andoutward to the pipe id 12 a keeping the gripping apparatus 120 and/orplug from moving relative to the pipe 12. Bolt 130 may be a bolt or allthread. Bolt 130 may have a hollow drilled center passage to form athrough vent or partially drilled to a cross drill to create a pressureport for testing in a double block application.

The sleeve/cage 122 and pins 128 are used to retract and unlock the diskor rollers 110 from being trapped between the pipe ID 12 a and themounting body wedge slots 102.

In alternative embodiments, the gripping apparatus 120 may also be camactuated (not illustrated). The exemplary embodiment of the sleeve 122as shown defines slot(s) or opening(s) 124 shaped to allow the disks 100or rollers 110 to release via spring 126 actuation. The specific shapeof the slots or openings 124 may be circular, ovular, oblong, slotted,etc. The inner dimensions of the slots 124 preferably function to allowrelease of the spring 126 actuated disks 100 and rollers 110 and may belimited to prevent escape of the disks 100 and rollers 110 (e.g. disks100 and rollers 110 may have an extension, post, axle or shaft 107, 117that extends beyond the width of the slots 124 to prevent theirrelease). The slot(s) or opening(s) 124 may have transverse notches 125(preferably narrow in width) for receiving and capturing the extension,post, axle or shaft 107, 117 of the respective disks 100 and/or rollers110 during assembly of the gripping apparatus 120. The number ofslots(s) 124 may be complimentary to the number of springs 126, disks100/rollers 110 and inclined tracks 103. The solid inner dimensions ofthe sleeve 122 preferably function to limit or hold the disks 100 orrollers 110 in place against the force of the spring 126.

FIGS. 21-26 depict alternate embodiments of a gripping apparatus 140with wedge jaws 150. In addition to wedge jaws or jaws 150, exemplaryembodiments of a gripping apparatus 140 may also include a centeredtapered wedge or wedge cone 160, friction reducing devices such as ballscylindrical rollers or other bearings 164, and springs or springplungers 158. The gripping apparatus 140 is inserted into a pipe 12, andthen the jaws 150 are actuated to engage against the pipe internalsurface 12 a when desired.

The outer surface 168 of the centered tapered wedge or wedge cone 160may be defined as a substantially conical or frustoconical shape. One ormore tracks 162 may be defined on the outer surface 168 of the centeredtapered wedge 160. These tracks 162 may be filled with a set ofcylindrical rollers 164, but in alternate embodiments the tracks 162 maybe filled with ball bearings or the centered tapered wedge 160 mayinstead use recirculating bearings (not depicted). Each inner surface153 of a wedge jaw 150 is configured to set or rest against each set ofrollers or bearings 164 in the tracks 162. Additionally, in alternativeembodiments, the tracks 162 may simply be coated with a low frictioncoating such as TEFLON brand or a TURCITE brand laminate or coating,with no rollers or bearings 164 set into the tracks 162. The rollers orbearings 164 and the jaw inner surface 153 may also be coated with lowfriction coatings in alternate embodiments. Moreover, in yet anotherembodiment, the gripping apparatus 140 may have an uncoated, metal track162 engaged with an uncoated jaw inner surface 153. Many combinationsare possible. Furthermore the centered tapered wedge 160 may also have athroughbore 166 defined therethrough. Additionally the centered taperedwedge 160 defines T-slots 169 adjacent to each side of the tracks 162.The T-slots 169 are configured to complement and engage the T-flange 156of the wedge jaw 150. The angle 161 of incline of the cone wedge 160defined relative to the surface of the pipe internal diameter 12 a mayalso be adjusted as desired.

Referring to FIG. 47 and FIG. 48, other devices/methods may be used toretain, by way of example and exemplary embodiment, a wedge jaw 450 maybe retained in a gripping apparatus/mechanism 440 by includingcircumferential biasing bands (such as, for example spring bands,O-rings, or the like) 469 in slots 456. Slots 456 may be defined acrossthe outer surface of the discrete wedge jaws 450. Each wedge jaw 450 maybe independently actuated by a captive spring/spring plunger 458(working with wedge cone(s) 460 with or without rollers). The grippingapparatus/mechanism 440 may function in conjunction with a seal/testplug 420. Each wedge jaw 450 may be in the form of a flat, thin plate,narrow or even blade edge (but not so narrow as to create mar(s) ingripping), jaw 450 for use in a gripping apparatus 440. Such edge mayhave an outer surface 354 of the wedge jaw 450 having a convex curve,curvature or arch 355, and may have a coating and/or texturing 352 (e.g.hard, layer, antifriction, grit, surface, increased friction, peaks andvalleys each/all as discussed herein). Such flat, thin plate, narrow jawmay be implemented into other embodiments of gripping apparatus.

As depicted in FIGS. 27-28, the discrete wedge jaw 150 may have an outersurface 154 that defines a curve or curvature 155 that may besubstantially similar to the curvature of the pipe internal surface 12 aor smaller. The jaw 150 also has a substantially flat inner surface 153which is configured to be set against the set of cylindrical rollers orbearings 164 or against the track 162 of the center tapered wedge 160.As mentioned previously, this inner surface 153 may be coated with a lowfriction type of coating to enable the rolling/sliding of the jaw 150against the rollers 164 or track 162 (linear roller bearing assembly) toengage the pipe internal surface 12 a. The profile of the jaw 150 may besubstantially triangular or wedge-like in shape and have an angle 151 ofincline. This angle 151 and size or width of jaw 150 may be adjusted asso desired. The jaw 150 may also define a bore 152 at one end, whereinthe bore 152 is configured to receive a spring or spring plunger 158(the bore 152 may also be located on the opposite smaller face of thejaw 150 to couple an extension spring instead of the compression spring158) and also optionally, a pin 159 to provide support for the spring158 as well. The jaw 150 also defines a T-flange (or dove-tail) 156along the sides of the jaw inner face 153. The T-flange 156complementarily engages the T-slots (or dove-tail) 169 (or, as replacedby the embodiment of FIGS. 47-48) of the cone wedge 160, and thecombination of the T-flange 156 and T-slots 169 help to keep the jaw 150aligned along the tracks 162 while enabling sliding motion along saiddirection defined by tracks 162. Other combinations similar to theT-flange 156 and the T-slots 169 are possible wherein sliding motion isenabled between two pieces along a defined direction.

The gripping apparatus 140 may be spring 158 actuated, similar to thegripping apparatus 40 and gripping apparatus 120. In alternativeembodiments, the gripping apparatus 140 may be bolt actuated as well.Moreover, the gripping apparatus 140 may individually actuate each jaw150, but may also collectively and/or concurrently activate all jaws150. Initially the jaws 150 are in a retracted position or pushed backto a slightly retracted position as the plug is installed in the pipe(see, e.g. FIGS. 23 and 25). In the free state the jaws 150, balls 70,disks and rollers 110 are naturally fully extended by the spring's 60actuation (springs 60 may be eliminated and replaced by another means ofactuation including but not limited to hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical,magnetic, thermal, gravitational or other mechanical devices). As a testplug 20 is installed, the jaws 150 are retracted by the light end forceas they press against the pipe 12 end or pipe flange face until theforce is greater than the spring force required to back the jaw 150 downthe ramp 161/162 allowing it to enter the pipe 12. At this point nothinghas been done with the seal bolts. The gripping apparatus 140 and plugslide in freely under light load, but instantly lock against the pipeinner diameter 12 a and cannot be removed from the pipe 12 without firstretracting the jaws 150. Literally a hand installed plug slid lightlyinto a pipe 12 will hold over 100,000 pounds-force depending upon theplug and pipe size. The springs or spring plungers 158 push the jaws 150away causing the jaws 150 to slide or roll up against the rollers 164.Because the outer surface 168 of the cone wedge 160 is asubstantially-conical shape having an incline 161, as the jaws 150 movealong the track 162, the jaws 150 are pushed radially outward towardsthe pipe inner surface 12 a and are thusly actuated or engagedwith/against the pipe internal diameter 12 a. See FIGS. 24 and 26 forexamples of a gripping apparatus 140 with wedge jaws 150 actuated (theirnatural or default position). The incline 161 of the wedge cone 160 willcause the jaws 150 to move further out, applying additional lockingforce against the pipe internal diameter 12 a. However, it should benoted that gripping apparatus 40, 120, 140, 240, 340 and 440 may be usedin any combination with conventional plugging devices 20—ahead, behind,or without said plugging devices 20. By way of example, grippingapparatus 40, 120, 140, 240, 340 and 440 can be used ahead of aconventional or other plugging device 20 if attached or connected tosuch plugging device to keep or prevent it from being ejected if thepressure should attempt to cause the conventional or other pluggingdevice 20 to slip. Some means of retracting the grippingmechanism/gripping apparatus 40, 120, 140, 240, 340 and 440 is madethrough the conventional or other plugging device 20 to retract thegripping mechanism/gripping apparatus(s) 40, 120, 140, 240, 340 and 440unless such can be removed through the opposite end of the pipe or tube12 to which such was installed (retraction mechanisms include, but arenot limited to, headed pins, chains, pivoting links, cage, cables and/ortethers to pull retract individually/discretely actuated jaws, rollers,disks, balls, etc.). In other embodiments, the grippingmechanism/gripping apparatus 40, 120, 140, 240, 340 and 440 may beretracted and the plugging device 20 with the grippingmechanism/gripping apparatus(s) 40, 120, 140, 240, 340 and 440 areremoved from the end of the pipe or tube 12 from which it was installed.The gripping mechanism/gripping apparatus(s) 40, 120, 140, 240, 340 and440 can be stand alone or attached to a seal plug mechanism/pluggingdevice 20 on the outside end of the conventional or other pluggingdevice 20 to act as a safety lock to catch the conventional or otherplugging device 20 if due to pressure it were potentially capable ofbeing ejected from the pipe or tube 12. The gripping mechanism/grippingapparatus(s) 40, 120, 140 can be used for any purpose where it isdesirable to securely grab the inside of a pipe or tube 12 until it isdesired to be released or to allow motion in only one direction withinthe pipe or tube 12 until such is released. By way of further example,gripping apparatus 40, 120 and 140, 240, 340 and 440 may be mounted to aplugging device 20 (or a seal plug), or as a separate device placed inbehind the low pressure side of the plugging device 20 to block theplugging device 20 in the pipe 20 should plugging device 20 and/orgripping apparatus 40, 120, 140, 240, 340 and 440 start to move. Inalternate embodiments, the gripping apparatus 140 may also employ a cageor sleeve with openings or slots for the jaws 150 (similar to the abovedisclosed embodiments for gripping apparatuses 40 for balls 70 andgripping apparatus 120 for disks 100/rollers 110). To retract ordisengage the jaws 150 from the actuated position, bolts are rotated inan opposite direction and used to retract the jaws 150 down the taper orincline 161 of the wedge cone 160. The jaws 150 move in the reverse oropposite direction away from the pipe inner surface 12 a, and thegripping force between the gripping apparatus 140 and the pipe 12 isreleased. In further alternative embodiments the gripping apparatuses40, 120, 140, 240, 340 and 440 can be used to mate/engage a groove orstep (not shown) located on the inner diameter of a bore, pipe, tube orthe like for locking/catching until retracted. Such a groove or step isnot required but may be implemented into any embodiment describedherein.

FIGS. 29 to 31 depict an alternate exemplary embodiment of a grippingapparatus 170 with balls 70 and without any cage or sleeve 80. Theexemplary embodiment of the gripping apparatus 170 may also be used inconjunction with a plugging device 20 and may include annular mountingbodies 172, springs 60, balls 70, blocks 173, plates 134 and pins 175.There may be multiple annular mounting bodies 172, each annular body 172having a throughbore 171 defined axially therethrough. The outer surfaceor circumference 177 of the mounting body 172 may define a plurality ofcaptive pockets or bores 174 (preferably formed by boring into themounting body 172 at an angle inclined to its external surface). Thesepockets or bores 174 include a retained portion of mounting body orcover 178 having an opening 179 over an inclined track 176. The opening179, as depicted, may be semi-elliptical or ovaloid in shape (preferablydefined by the intersection of the bore 174 and the mounting body 172),but may also be defined in the cover 178 as other shapes orconfigurations as well (such as, by way of example only, a rectangular,trapezoidal, or triangular opening). The opening 179 may be defined tobe narrower at one end to stop or prevent the ball 70 from fully movingunder the cover 178 of the pocket or bore 174 in the fully retractedstate or position (see FIG. 31 for an example of the retracted state ofthe gripping apparatus 170).

The balls 70 may be mounted adjacent to a spring 60 and situated orpositioned into the captive pockets or bores 174. Further, the balls 70may rest against the inclined mounting track 176, and may optionallyinclude blocks, washers, or pin heads 173 situated between the spring 60and the balls 70. The balls 70 may be captured by the bore 174 as longas the centerline of the ball 70 (generally coinciding with thecenterline of the bore 174) is kept below a point where half the bore174 is exposed (i.e. the bore 174 is formed in the mounting body 172such that the circumference of the inner diameter of the bore is alwaysgreater than a semicircle in cross section).

A number of pins 175 may be mounted on the plate 134, which is locatedbelow an annular mounting body 172. The number of and position of thepins 175 on the plate 134 may correspond to the number of balls 70 in arow on the annular mounting body 172 adjacent to the plate 134. Theremay also be a number of pins 175 inserted into each spring 60 connectedto each block 173 or ball 70 in each annular mounting body 172. Each pin175 may extend into the bore or pocket 174 in the annular body 172 aboveeach said pin 175. The amount of extension of the pin 175 into the boreor pocket 174 above may be adjusted as desired by the operator of thegripping apparatus 170 depending on whether to engage the balls 70 ofthe gripping apparatus 170 with the internal diameter 12 a of the pipe12, or to retract the balls 70 from the internal diameter 12 a.

As in other embodiments of the gripping apparatus, the grippingapparatus 170 may be cam actuated, threadably actuated, spring actuated,and/or bolt actuated. Actuation of the gripping apparatus 170 results inthe balls 70 moving along the inclined tracks 176 and toward andengaging the internal diameter 12 a of the pipe 12. The grippingapparatus 170 may retract the balls 70 by use of the pins 175 byreversing the cam, thread, spring or bolt actuation as well. Reversing,by way of example, a bolt actuated gripping apparatus 170, will move thepins 175 progressively farther into each pocket or bore 174 above saidpins 175, and against the bottom of the balls 70 in the above pockets orbores 174. Upon contact with and/or pushing force from the pins 175, theballs 70 disengage from the internal diameter 12 a of the pipe 12 andmove up along the inclined track 176 until the balls 70 reach the end ofthe opening 179 (or the cover 178).

FIGS. 32-34 depict views of an alternate exemplary embodiment of agripping apparatus 180 with rollers 110, and having no cage or sleeve 80(although shown with rollers 110, disks 100 may be substituted inalternate exemplary embodiments). FIG. 32 depicts a view of the grippingapparatus 180 with the rollers 110 at least partially retracted, andFIG. 33 depicts a view of the gripping apparatus 180 with the rollers110 at least partially actuated/engaged with the inner diameter 12 a ofthe pipe 12. The gripping apparatus 180 may include rollers 110, one ormore annular mounting bodies 182, springs 126, blocks, washers, or pinheads 106 (functioning similar to as described with respect to FIG. 31above), plates 134, and pins 128. Each annular mounting body 182 isinscribed with a plurality or series of compartments, pockets or slots184 along the outer circumference or surface 187 of the annular mountingbody 182. Each annular body 182 may define a throughbore 181 definedaxially therethrough.

Similar to the embodiments of the gripping apparatus 120, the rollers110 (or disks 100) of the gripping apparatus 180 may be mounted belowand adjacent to a block, washer, or pin heads 106 (functioning similarto as described with respect to FIG. 31 above). A spring 126 may beconnected to and above the block 106, and the spring 126 may further bemounted around a pin 128. The pin 128 may travel through pin openings135 defined in the bottom flanges 183 of the mounting bodies 182 (oralternatively, or additionally, through pin openings 135 defined inplates 134 interspersed between the mounting bodies 182).

The pockets 184 may be defined by: a width 185 which may be slightlygreater the width of the roller 110, so as to house the roller 110; twopocket walls 186 on either side of the pocket 184; and an inclined track189 along the bottom of the pocket 184 upon which the rollers 110 rests(inclined relative to the inner surface or inner diameter of the pipe ortube 12). The pocket walls 186 are raised above the inclined track 189and may be inscribed or slotted with a T-slot 188 in each wall 186 (seeFIG. 34). The T-slots 188 may be inclined similar to the incline of theinclined track 189 (or also, inclined relative to the inner diameter 12a of the pipe 12). The rollers 110 each have an extension, post, axle,or shaft 117 on either side of the roller 110. Each axle 117 extendsinto (or is held captive by) each T-slot 188 within the pocket walls 186(e.g. the length of the axle 117 is greater than the distance betweenfacing pocket walls 186 but less than the distance betweenfacing/opposite T-slot(s) 188.

Similar to the embodiment of the gripping apparatus 170, the bottomplate 134 a includes a number of pins 128 equal to the number of rollers110. These pins 128 may disengage the rollers 110 from the actuatedposition by applying pushing force to the bottom of the rollers 110through the bottom of the annular mounting bodies 182. The pins 128 maytravel through the flanges 183 of a mounting body 182, and/or throughplates 134 interspersed between each annular mounting body 182, andthrough greater than one pocket, compartment or slot 184.

The actuation of the gripping apparatus 180 to engage the rollers 110with the inner diameter 12 a of the pipe 12 is similar as describedabove for the gripping apparatus 120 embodiments. To disengage, retractor release the gripping apparatus 180, the bottom plate 134 a pushes thepins 128 into the bottommost set of rollers 110, thus pushing thebottommost rollers 110 back along the inclined track 189. The pins 128of the bottommost set of rollers 110 are also moved backwards, and intothe next compartment or pocket 184 above and the next set of rollers 110through the pin openings 135 of the flange 183 or plate 134. This nextset of rollers 110 is thus accordingly also disengaged, and the force ispassed long the pin 128 into another set of rollers 110 to disengage (ifapplicable). Although not depicted in the figures, the top-most row ofrollers 110 may optionally just use springs 126 without a pin 128, asthere is no other additional set of rollers 110 to disengage.

FIG. 35 depicts a schematic perspective view, partially incross-section, of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a grippingapparatus 240 with sliding jaw(s) 250 (only one represented but theremay be more in the spirit of the other embodiments). In addition tosliding jaws or jaws 250, exemplary embodiments of a gripping apparatus240 may also include a centered tapered wedge or wedge cone 260, baseplate or block 264 with track/slide plate/hardened wear surface 262, andsprings or spring plungers 258. The gripping apparatus 240 is insertedinto a pipe 12, and then the jaws 250 are actuated to engage against thepipe internal surface 12 a when desired. The track/slide plate/hardenedwear surface 262 of the independently sliding jaw 250 may be one unitarypiece (attached to one or the other of sliding jaw(s) 250 or base plate264; or as a part of the sliding jaw 250 at the innermost end) or atrack plate 262 a (attached to base plate 264) in combination with aslide plate 262 b (attached to sliding jaw(s) 250) each having arespective wear surface 267. Any or all wear surface(s) 267 may have alayer of antifriction coating(s) 257, such as, but not limited to,TURCITE brand. Each sliding jaw(s) 250 may have an outer-upper grippingsurface 254. The outer-upper gripping surface 254 is preferably a hardcoating or layer on sliding jaw(s) 250 with texture for the gripping thepipe internal diameter 12 a. The sliding jaw(s) 250 must have enoughfriction to allow the force (between outer-upper gripping surface 254and pipe internal diameter 12 a) to increase as pressure is applied toback of the wedge cone 260. The base plate or block 264 may beintegrated with the wedge cone 260 if desired.

The embodiment of a gripping apparatus 240 with sliding jaw(s) 250functions similar to the embodiment(s) of FIGS. 21-28 but withoutrollers 164. Jaws 150, 250 may, by way of example only, be modified toany trapezoidal shape or any pie-shape. Jaws 150, 250 and theirrespective assembly in any gripping apparatus, e.g., 150, 240, may beutilized for flushing sand and/or debris in use for plugging orconnecting (including any trapezoidal or pie shape), and may behollowed-out and/or grooved for same. Slots for receiving the respectivejaws 150, 250 need not be limited to a rectangular profile/slot.

FIG. 36 depicts a schematic perspective view, partially incross-section, of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a grippingapparatus or plug 310. Such a gripping apparatus or plug 310 may be usedfor plugging externally or making an external or exterior connection(e.g. female to male connection) to a pipe, rod or tube 312. Thegripping apparatus 310 is represented with balls 370 (but balls 370could be replaced by or combined with rollers or jaws within the spiritof the many embodiments taught or disclosed). The inner surface orcircumference 377 of the mounting body 372 may define a plurality ofcaptive pockets or bores 374 (preferably formed by molded cast, boringor otherwise formed, optionally including a T slot means of guiding,into the mounting body 372 at an angle inclined to its internal surface377). These pockets or bores 374 include a retained portion of mountingbody or cover 378 having an opening 379 over a declined track 376 (i.e.angled toward the central axis of mounting body 372 or pipe 312). Theopening 379, as depicted, may be semi-elliptical or ovaloid in shape(preferably defined by the intersection of the bore 374 and the mountingbody 372), but may also be defined in the cover 378 as other shapes orconfigurations as well (such as, by way of example only, a rectangular,trapezoidal, or triangular opening). The opening 379 may be defined tobe narrower at one end of its aperture length (or even at the opening'saccess interface at the surface 377) to stop or prevent the ball 370from fully moving under the cover 378 of the pocket or bore 374 in thefully retracted state or position.

The balls 370 may be mounted adjacent to a spring 360 and situated orpositioned into the captive pockets or bores 374. Further, the balls 370may rest against the declined mounting track 376 and/or cover 378. Thespring 360 may be mounted on a plunger rod with a cap for retaining thespring 360 (similar to pins 175 of FIG. 30). The balls 370 may becaptured by the bore 374.

A number of pins 375 may be mounted on the plate or disc 334, which islocated proximate an annular mounting body 380 having pinholes 382. Thenumber of and position of the pins 375 on the plate 334 may correspondto the number of balls 370 in a row on the annular mounting body 372adjacent to the annular mounting body 380. The amount of extension ofthe pins 375 into the bore or pocket 374 above may be adjusted asdesired by the operator of the gripping apparatus 310 (and plate or disc334) depending on whether to engage the balls 370 of the grippingapparatus 310 by means of the outer surface of the balls 370 with theexternal or exterior diameter 312 e of the pipe 312, or to retract theballs 370 from the external diameter 312 e.

FIGS. 37-40 show an exemplary embodiment of an outer jaw grippingsurface 354 for a discrete wedge jaw 350 (similar to FIGS. 27-28) whichmay be included as part of an overall gripping apparatus 340 asrepresented in FIGS. 41-44. The wedge jaw 350 has four sidewalls 390,392, 394 & 396 arranged in parallel pairs. The top surface or outersurface 354 of the wedge jaw 350 has a convex curve, curvature or arch355 bounded or defined from one sidewall 390 to another parallelsidewall 392 (the longer sidewall pair) with the highpoint of the curve355 generally defined at the center-point of sidewalls 394 and 396 wherethey terminate at outer surface 354 such that the radius of the curve355 of the wedge jaw 350 is preferably slightly smaller than the insidepipe radius. The radius of the curve 355 of the wedge jaw 350, however,may be the same as the inside pipe radius or more significantly smaller(i.e. less than or equal to the inside pipe diameter or radius). In oneworking example of “slightly smaller” by way of example only, the radiusof the curve 355 is 3.75 inches whilst the nominal inner diameter 12 aof the pipe is 7.65 inches for an eight inch pipe or tube 12. In thisembodiment, the outer jaw surface 354 allows for gradual transitionswhen actuating or de-engaging the gripping apparatus to/from the pipeinternal diameter or surface 12 a during normal use, which, by way ofexample only, may be similar to as actuated in FIG. 35.

The arch of the curve 355 can be a circular or cylindrical type curvebut is not limited to same, and could, for example, be an elliptical,ovular, or parabolic shape or even a wave shape such as sinusoidal. Theouter surface 354 may have texturing 352 (texturing as further describedbelow). The outer surface 354 may be fully or only partially textured352.

Similar to FIGS. 27, 28 & 35, the wedge jaw 350 may have an angle 351(by way of example only, twenty degrees), a T or rounded flange 356,with springs or spring plungers (not shown) as part of a sliding jaw 250with slide plate 262.

The outer jaw surface 354 may optionally have a tapered edge(s) 395 atthe top of any (one or more) or all of sidewall(s) 390, 392, 394, 396bounded by outer surface 354. The tapered edge(s) 395 may be, forexample, a radius, shallow chamfer, a beveled edge, rounds or anytangential or near tangential plane. The tapered edge(s) 395 may betextured 352 and/or allowing for a gradual load concentration with nosharp load transitions to mark or damage the pipe inner diameter 12 a.The tapered edge(s) 395 may be partially or fully textured 352.

The texturing 352 may, by way of example only, but not limited to, bestippling/dimples such as in a grit coating (e.g. carbide grit) 353 a(see FIG. 45), a series of peaks/ridges and valleys 353 b (see FIG. 46),or otherwise generally braids, reticulation, friction padding, a typicalfile surface, a crisscross series of ridges and valleys such as in afile surface although in this case un-sharpened (such as in anunsharpened nail file or metal file of a pocket knife) or the liketexturing 352. The metal hardness may also be selected, according to oneas skilled in the art, so as to reduce or eliminate inner diameter 12 adamage to the pipe 12 and in relation to the material type and/orsurface treatment of the pipe 12.

The outer jaw surface 354 may optionally have a transition surface(s)398. The transition surface(s) 398 is at least a thinning of the outersurface 354 and may, for example be, swept chamfer, swept arc or radius,compound leading edge curve(s), gradient(s), radius, beveled edge, orother non-liner edge tangent or near-tangent lines/planes/arcs off thehighpoint or center-point of the curve 355 proximate and bounded bysidewall 394. The transition surface(s) 398 is mounted proximal to thespring plunger base plate (seen in FIG. 35) to keep the edge 391(defined between sidewall 394 and outer surface 354) opposing the axialload of spring plunger base plate from digging into or marking the pipeinner diameter 12 a in normal use of the isolation plug of double blockand bleed pipe test plug. This transition surface(s) 398 eliminates orreduces any sharp transition points (and may be included in otherembodiments beyond the wedge jaw, e.g., balls, disks, rollers, and thelike). By way of example only, it could be a swept chamfer similar to ashallower nut chamfer or a larger swept arc, a straight swept arc, orshallow chamfer (akin to the front of a snow shoe) that is swept alongthe top curvature.

The outer jaw surface 354 may optionally have a surface coating layer(s)or textured hard enhanced friction coating 357. The surface coatinglayer(s) 357 (and/or layer of antifriction coating(s) 257) may forexample be wear coated with tungsten carbide, be diamond, hard stainlesssteel, or any roughened surface.

The contour(s) of the outer jaw surface 354 help prevent sharp loadtransitions which may damage or mark the pipe or tube inner diameter 12a around the outer jaw surface perimeter. The outer jaw surface 354 asdefined herein and/or the smooth radius or curve 355 of the outer jawsurface 354 allows a slight gradual transition away from the interfaceor contact area between the gripping apparatus 340 and the pipe internaldiameter or surface 12 a to avoid causing or reduce damage to a pipe ortube inner diameter 12 a, as examples, for gripping isolation plugs orgripping double black and bleed plugs for testing.

As best seen in FIGS. 40, 45 & 46 a pair or sidewall 390 and 392 mayhave a generally trapezoidal shape or profile 392 a and in one exemplaryembodiment the shape of a right trapezoid thereby dictating the wedgeshape 350 a of the wedge jaw 350. The other two sidewalls 394 and 396may be generally of a rectangular shape 394 a, 396 a respectively, oneof greater height than the other has dictated by the wedge shape 350 aof the wedge jaw 350. However it is to be understood that any polygonthat has one face acting as a wedge contact and another face acting asthe pipe internal diameter or surface contact 12 a can be used, or evenjust one or two ball shaped contact point surfaces riding against aconical/wedge ramp/track.

The exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 37-40 (and also FIGS. 27-28, & 35)for an outer jaw gripping surface 354 are not limited to a wedge shapeand the jaw 350 could be any other shape, such as, by way of exampleonly but not limited to, rectangular, square, cylindrical, fin-shaped,arcuate, or spiraled with curve 355 as part of the outer jaw grippingsurface 354.

FIG. 41-44 show exemplary embodiment(s) of an overall grippingapparatus(s) 340 similar to that represented in FIGS. 21-26 exceptutilizing/incorporating the discrete wedge jaw 350 exemplaryembodiment(s). Like FIGS. 21-26, rollers (or other bearings) 364 areutilized. Springs 358 may be supported by pins 359 (similar to FIG. 17in some manner for actuation and retraction). FIGS. 41 and 42 showembodiment(s) used as a gripping apparatus 340 inside the pressure endof the pipe 12. FIGS. 43, 44, 44A, 44B and 44C, show embodiments of thegripping apparatus 340 on the open end of the pipe 12. As the nuts 399(four shown as an example) are backed out evenly, the larger centerspring 393 pulls the jaws 350 back automatically. In FIG. 44 the jaws355 are extended. In FIG. 44A the jaws are retracted from the pipe 12.FIG. 44A shows a front gripping apparatus 340 with the center spring 393and a center vent pipe/tube 330, and the jaws 350 are retracted via thenuts 399. FIG. 44B shows a rear gripping apparatus 340 with the jaws 350actuated. FIG. 44C shows a rear gripping apparatus 340 with the jaws 350retracted via the nuts 399.

FIG. 49 shows an exemplary embodiment of aseparate/individual/discretely wedge block/jaw 550 (somewhat similar toFIG. 41, but individual, together with FIG. 46) which may be included aspart of an overall gripping apparatus 540. The gripping apparatus 540includes pins 559, springs 560, rollers or bearings 564 mounted in aramp assembly 562, and mounted on a base block 565. The ramp assembly562 has T-slot/guidewalls 563 for retention and guiding of T or roundflange 556 of the separate/individual discrete wedge block/jaw 550. Theseparate/individual/discrete wedge block/jaw 550 or gripping apparatus540 may be useful for selective gripping to a catch or pocket on amating surface. By way of example, a T-slot 563 may be used to captureballs, rollers, disks, jaws, etc. as part of a test plug grippingapparatus 40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540 and as further described herein.

FIG. 50 represents an exemplary embodiment of an overall grippingapparatus embodiment 340 similar to that represented in FIGS. 41-44;incorporating the discrete wedge jaw 350 exemplary embodiment(s);rollers (or other bearings) 364 are utilized in the exemplary embodimentshown; springs 358 may be supported by pins 359 (similar to FIG. 17 insome manner for actuation and retraction); except the FIG. 50 exemplaryembodiment(s) utilizes a cam activator/deactivator 590. The exemplaryembodiment of the cam activator/deactivator 590 shown includes a centerpin 592 which may be driven and released by a cam mechanism 594 viahandle 595. The center pin 592 includes a conical foot 593. A collar 596(having a central bore) is mounted on and surrounds the center pin 592.As the flange/unitary plate 583 is pushed in the wedge jaw 350 viasprings 358 activate. The cam mechanism 594 is anchored to theflange/unitary plate 583 via a screw 598 (having a central bore throughwhich the center pin 592 may thrust and retract). Screw 598 also opposesmotion of collar 596. After the flange/unitary plate 583 is pushed in,the cam mechanism 594 is locked (whilst the jaws 350 actuateautomatically) by turning the handle 595, which pulls the center pin 592linearly toward the cam mechanism 594 so that conical foot 593 wedgesinto the collar 596 to expand collar 596 and lock the flange 583 inplace. Then, to release, the cam mechanism 594 is released via thehandle to push the center pin 592, the collar 596 will contract andflange 583 is released along with jaws 350.

FIG. 51 represents an exemplary embodiment of a gripping apparatus 640for insertion into a pipe 12, and for hand operated insertion andretraction. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the gripping apparatus640 incorporates discrete wedge jaws 650, springs 658 may be supportedby pins 659, rollers (dowel pins or other bearings) 664. The wedge jaws650 may be activated by springs and pins (both not shown in FIG. 51 butsimilar to FIG. 17 and other embodiments) via plate 683. A hand operatedinsertion/release mechanism 690 has a center rod 692 attached to theplate 683; a T-handle 694 connected to the center rod 692; an activationspring 696 which may compressed by hand between the T-handle 694 andbody 680; and a grip 698 mounted in the body 680. The gripping apparatus640 may be moved into the pipe 12 and move in one direction (but not theopposite direction) within the pipe 12. To release and pull the grippingapparatus 640 out of the pipe 12, one must squeeze the T-handle 694 andthe grip 698 together against the force of spring 696 to move the plate683 away from the back of the wedge jaws 650.

FIG. 52 represents an exemplary embodiment of a gripping apparatus 740for insertion into and, for example, lifting of pipe 12, and for handoperated insertion and retraction. In the exemplary embodiment shown,the gripping apparatus 740 for insertion into and lifting of a pipe 12incorporates wedge jaws 750, and bearing surface(s)/layer(s) 764. Thediscrete wedge jaw(s) 750 may be activated by springs 758 and pins 759via annular plate 783. A hand operated pipe lifting mechanism 790 has acenter housing 792 attached to the plate 783; a ring/handle 794connected to a center rod/bolt 796 wherein the center bolt 796 is fixedto a conical (or semi-conical) mounting body/declined track 776; anactivation spring 798 which may be compressed by hand between the ring794 and a shoulder 793 on in the center housing 792. The center housing792 defines a central bore 791 on the interior and on the exterior 795may be used as a handle. Spring 798 pushes the center housing 792 towardthe annular plate 783, and springs 758 push the wedge jaws 750 up themounting body 776 across bearing surface(s)/layer(s) 764 and intoengagement with the internal diameter 12 a of the pipe 12. By graspingand pulling the ring 794 together/towards with the exterior handle 795of center housing 792 (or holding the exterior handle 795 and pushingthe ring 794) one may release the hand operated pipe lifting mechanism790 from the pipe 12 (via pushing the conical mounting body 776 somewhatinto the interior of the pipe 12 and/or relieving spring force from thejaws 750).

FIGS. 53-55 represents an exemplary embodiment of a gripping apparatusor plug 800 for insertion into a pipe 12, and for hand operatedinsertion, actuation and retraction of a dual-cone gripping apparatus orplug 800. FIGS. 56-57 represents an alternative exemplary embodiment ofa gripping apparatus or plug 800 for insertion into a pipe 12, and forhand operated insertion, actuation and retraction of a single-conegripping apparatus or plug 800. The pipe 12 and pipe interior 12 a arenot illustrated in FIGS. 53-57, but are shown in other figures, e.g.FIGS. 1-3; the embodiments of the pipe 12 are similar to the pipe forgripping apparatus 800.

Concurrent and/or collective actuation as described in the grippingapparatuses 800 of FIGS. 53-57 is advantageous over conventional jawstyle gripping apparatuses which only result in only a few areas ofunequal contact pressure. Concurrent and/or collective actuation is thesimultaneous activation or actuation of each and every gripping device810 and/or wedge jaw 812 against the interior 12 a of the pipe 12.Collective retraction is the simultaneous retraction or disengagement ofeach and every gripping device 810 and/or wedge jaw 812 from the pipeinterior 12 a.

By way of example, the gripping apparatus 800 may be used in grippingplugs, pipe connectors, or other lifting or grabbing devices. Thegripping apparatus 800 may include discrete gripping devices 810 asactuated by a first or movable wedge cone, cone wedge, tapered wedge, orwedge block 820 (see e.g. FIGS. 53-55), or as actuated by anotherforce-transferring element, such as a plate or annular piece 832 (seee.g. FIGS. 56-57), such that an outer gripping surface 840 of thediscrete gripping devices 810 grips against a pipe 12. The grippingapparatus 800 may also include an inner rod or tube 802 having threading804 on the tube 802 towards a front end 801 a and a rear end 801 b ofthe tube 802. The tube 802 may also define a throughbore 803.

A second or fixed wedge cone, cone wedge, tapered wedge, or wedge block822 includes threading 823 on the interior of the wedge cone 822, andthe second wedge cone 822 is threaded via threading 823 onto thethreading 804 of the tube 802 and mounted around the tube 802. Thesecond wedge cone 822 may be fixed into position on tube 802 via thethreading 823 and threading 804. The first or moveable wedge cone 820may also be positioned around tube 802, adjacent to the second fixedwedge cone 822 in FIGS. 53-55. Both the first wedge cone 820 and secondwedge cone 822 may be substantially conical or frustoconical in shape.Generally, the wedge cones or cone wedges 820, 822 may be positioned onthe tube 802 such that the points 827 of the wedge cones 820, 822 may bedirected at each other. Both wedge cones 820, 822 also have a ramp orouter surface 826. The steepness of the ramp 826 is defined by anincline 825 which may be adjusted as desired and may be defined relativeto the inner diameter of the pipe 12. Furthermore, the ramp 826 of wedgecones or cone wedges 820, 822 may also define the wear surface 824 ofwedge cones 820, 822. The wear surface 824 is adjacent to the innersurface 818 of the gripping devices 810, and the wear surface 824 mayinclude antifriction coating or antifriction devices 815 to reducedeterioration of the wear surface 824 and/or the inner surface 818 ofthe gripping devices 810. Although the exemplary embodiments of FIGS.53-55 are depicted with both a moveable wedge cone 820 and a fixed wedgecone 822, in alternative exemplary embodiments as depicted in FIGS.56-57, only a single fixed wedge cone 822 may be used that is set ontothe rod 802 via threading 823, 804 or affixed into place via alternativeknown affixing means. The alternative exemplary embodiments as shown inFIGS. 56-57 may be used on smaller (relatively) gripping apparatuses800.

The gripping apparatus 800 may include one or more discrete grippingdevices 810. The discrete gripping devices 810 may be positioned suchthat there is a gap 811 between each discrete gripping device 810. Wherethere is only a singular collectively or cooperatively discrete grippingdevice 810, there may nonetheless be a gap 811 defined within thediscrete gripping device 810 (see, e.g. FIG. 53). This gap 811 may beincreased when the gripping apparatus 800 is activated or engaged whenthe discrete gripping devices 810 slide against ramp(s) 826 of the wedgecone(s) 820, 822 to grip against pipe inner diameter 12 a.

Furthermore, the plurality of discrete gripping devices 810 may eachinclude an inner surface 818 configured to set or rest against the outersurface or ramp 826 of the cone wedges 820, 822. One or both of theinner surface 818 or the outer surfaces 826 may have an antifrictioncoating or device 815. By way of example only, antifriction devices 815may include tracks with rollers or bearings, (see e.g. FIG. 21 andcorresponding description) or alternatively, include a low frictioncoating such as TEFLON brand or a TURCITE brand laminate or coating. Theinner surface 818 of the plurality of discrete gripping devices 810 mayform or be in the shape of a hollow conical pocket 818 a which matinglymatches with the ramp or outer surfaces 826 of the wedge cones 820, 822(see, e.g. FIGS. 54 and 57).

Referring to FIG. 53-58, if conical wedge cones 820, 822 are used, thetaper of the interior surface 818 and conical pocket 818 a of thegripping device 810 or wedge jaw 812 can be designed, made or machinedto match the wear surface 824 or ramp or outer surface 826 of theconical wedge cones 820, 822 at or near the point where the grippingdevices 810 contact the pipe 12, so that there is little or no gap orspace 817 (see FIG. 58) between the interior surface 818 and the wearsurface 824 or outer surface 826 of the conical wedge cones 820, 822(gap or space 817 may be defined by differences between diameter ofcurvature at such surfaces). If one or more facetted wedge cones 821 areused (as illustrated, by way of example, in FIG. 59), then the wedgegripping apparatus 800 may use a flat face or ramp 826 at the same angle825 to leave no gap/space 817 between the interior surface 818 of thegripping devices 810 and the wear surface 824 or outer surface/ramp 826of one or more facetted wedge cones 821, but again as the grippingdevices 810 move up the facetted cones 821 the gap 811 between thegripping devices 810 will also increase. The matching or mating ofsurfaces 818 of the discrete gripping device 810 and surface(s) 824 or826 of the cone(s) 820, 822, or 821 will spread the load when the outersurface 840 of the wedges 812 or gripping devices 810 clamps theinternal diameter 12 a of the nominal sized pipe 12. Variations of thepipe internal diameter 12 a may cause this small gap or space 817, butas long as the gap or space 817 is within the elastic limits of thematerial of the wedge 812 or discrete gripping devices 810, such gap orspace 817 will not cause any failures of the gripping apparatus 800.

By way of example only, the gripping apparatus 800 may have an oddnumber of discrete gripping devices 810 as an odd number of the discretegripping devices 810 may load more evenly against the interior of thepipe 12 if the interior of the pipe 12 is out of round. However,gripping apparatuses 800 with two or other even numbers of discretegripping devices 810 are considered within the present disclosure. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the discrete gripping devices 810 may bein the form of wedge jaws 812. By way of example only, as depicted inFIG. 55, the wedge jaws 812 may be a triple jaw design for use in a 1½inch (or 3.81 cm) nominal pipe 12 size.

The discrete gripping devices 810 may define slots or grooves 816circumferentially around, about or across the outer surface 840 of theplurality of discrete gripping devices 810. The slots 816 and the top834 of the gripping devices 810, bottom 836 of the gripping devices 810,and the sides 838 of the gripping devices 810 may define or segment theouter surface 840 into the form of substantially rectangular pipecontact patches 844 (rectangular in top plan view). Circumferentialbiasing bands (such as, for example spring bands or band retractionsprings, O-rings, or the like) 814 as inserted into the slots or grooves816 may retain or bias the plurality of discrete gripping devices 810 inthe gripping apparatus 800. Said circumferential biasing bands 814 mayalso be used for collective, mutual and/or concurrent retraction ordisengagement of the discrete gripping devices 810 from gripping thepipe interior surface 12 a. Each and every collectively or mutuallybiasing bands 814 may simultaneously collectively extend towards thepipe inside 12 a, and subsequently, then simultaneously collectivelyretract each and every gripping device 810 and/or wedge jaw 812. Asdepicted in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 53-55, there are twocircumferential biasing bands 814 per gripping apparatus 800, however,more or less biasing bands 814 may be used as desired. The biasing bands814 may collectively extend towards the pipe interior surface 12 a asthe biasing force of the biasing bands 814 is overcome, and maycollectively retract or bias back towards the rod or tube 802 at othertimes, or when the biasing force of the biasing bands 814 is notovercome. The biasing bands 814 may be one exemplary embodiment of acollective extension-retractable mechanism, but other kinds or types ofcollective extension-retractable mechanisms are possible.

The outer surface 840 of the wedge jaws 812 or discrete gripping devices810 may optionally have one or more transition surface(s) 819. Thetransition surface(s) 819 is at least a thinning of the outer surface840 and may, for example be, swept chamfer, swept arc or radius,relieved arc, compound leading edge curve(s), gradient(s), radius,beveled edge, or other non-liner edge tangent or near-tangentlines/planes/arcs at the top 834, bottom 836, and/or edges, walls, sidesor sidewalls 838 of the outer surface 840. Additionally, the outersurface 840 may also define a curvature or circumference 841 which isdifferent from the pipe interior 12 a which is being gripped by thegripping apparatus 800. The transition surfaces 819 and differentsurface curvature 841 of the gripping devices 810 may help to avoidsharp shear loads or sharp transition points on the pipe interiorsurface 12 a. Further discussion of similar transition surfaces 398 maybe found in the description relating to FIGS. 37-40 and FIGS. 45-46.

The outer surface 840 and the patches 844 of outer surface 840 may alsoinclude a coating, surface coating or texturing 842 on said outersurface 840. The coating, surface coating or texturing 842 may include abinding layer 848 which attaches, adheres, connects, mounts, or bindsthe grit 846 to the outer surface 840. The surface coating or texturing842 may be, by way of example only, and not limited to, tungstencarbide, silicon carbide, diamond with binder, quartz with binder,fractured carbide, and/or any other coating having carbide grit. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the outer surface 840 and/or the coating842 may be harder than the surface (for example, the interior surface 12a of the pipe 12) that is gripped by the outer surface 840 of thediscrete gripping devices 810 or wedge jaws 812. The surface coating ortexturing 842 also includes carbide grits or other types of grits 846which are situated to expose a significant portion of the grit 846 abovethe binding layer 848 and/or the outer surface 840 allowing the discretegripping devices 810 or wedge jaws 812 to clamp or grip through pipe 12deposits such as rust, calcium, oil, grease, mill scale and others.Furthermore, the exposed grit 846 may have a thickness greater than thethickness of the deposit on the pipe interior 12 a. By way of exampleonly, the physical size of the carbide grit or other hard grit 846 maybe larger than a #120 grit size, or larger than a sieve designation of125 μm.

Furthermore, the binding layer 848 may be composed of a nickel basedalloy, but may alternatively be composed of or include cobalt, silversolder, or any number of brazing alloys or brazing compounds. Strongermaterials and higher melting temperatures of materials are preferredwhen manufacturing binding layer 848 of the surface coating 842. Thematerial of the binding layer 848 may be strong enough to handle theshear force that each discrete gripping device 810 and/or wedge jaw 812transfers back to the pipe wall 12 a. During manufacturing, the bindinglayer 848 is applied as a paste with flux to the outer surface 840 andthe grit 846 is generally evenly distributed or sprinkled to completelycover the brazing compound of the binding layer 848 in a single layer.The binding layer 848 is then quickly heated, thus melting the brazingcompound into metal that flows up around and to surround the grit 846through natural wicking. The binding layer 848 (and brazingcompound/alloy) then cools and quickly solidifies to capture the grit846. The finished wedge jaw 812 is composed of metal having a top layerof brazing (binding layer 848) that then surrounds the sides and bottomof each grit 846. The grit 846 may be mostly exposed above the bindinglayer 848 like sprinkles on a donut.

One or more seals 850 and clamping plates (or plates) 832 may be mountedonto the tube 802 adjacent to the discrete gripping devices 810 andwedge cone 820. A nut 830 may be mounted or threaded on an end of thegripping apparatus 800 adjacent to the seals 850, plates 832 and/orwedge cones 820, 822. The nut 830 may collectively transfer and removeforce from the seals 850, plates 832 and/or wedge cones 820, 822 tocollectively actuate and retract the gripping apparatus 800,respectively. The nut 830 may be one exemplary embodiment of acollective actuation-retraction mechanism, but other kinds or types ofcollective actuation-retraction mechanisms are possible and consideredwithin the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, levers,cams, springs, chains, headed pins, pivoting links, cage, cables,tethers, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic mechanisms.

In the depicted exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 53-55 of dual conecollective activation/actuation and retraction, nut 830 is threaded ontothe front end 801 a of the tube 802. Any force applied to thecollectively or coactively nut 830 is transferred to the plates 832 andseals 850 and to the movable wedge cone 820. When sufficient force istransferred from the nut 830 to the movable wedge cone 820 to overcomethe retaining biasing force of the biasing bands 814, the movable wedgecone 820 moves towards the fixed wedge cone 822 to collectively and/orconcurrently actuate, activate, and/or motivate every gripping device810 or wedge jaw 812 into sliding against the incline 825 of the wedgecones 820, 822 to engage, grip, lock onto or secure the pipe innersurface 12 a via the outer surface 840. The biasing bands 814 are alsocollectively extended or expanded towards the direction of the pipeinterior 12 a when the biasing force of the biasing bands 814 areovercome during the collective actuation of the gripping devices 810.

To collectively retract or disengage the gripping devices 810 or jaws812 from the actuated position of the gripping apparatus 800 in FIGS.53-55, the nut 830 is rotated in an opposite direction thus relievingthe force applied upon the wedge cone 820, plates 832 and seal 850. Thebiasing or retaining force of the biasing bands 814 then bias or retracttowards the tube 802, thus collectively and/or concurrently disengagingor retracting the gripping devices 810 or jaws 812 to slide down thetapers or inclines 825 of the wedge cones 820,822. The gripping devices810 or wedge jaws 812 collectively and/or concurrently move in thereverse or opposite direction away or disengaging from the pipe innersurface 12 a towards the tube 802, and the gripping force between thegripping apparatus 800 and the pipe 12 is released. Alternative means ofretracting or disengaging the gripping devices 810 or jaws 812 from thepipe 12 as known to one of ordinary skill in the art is consideredwithin the present disclosure.

In the depicted exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 56-57 for single conecollective activation/actuation and retraction, nut 830 is threaded ontoan end of the tube 802. Any force applied to the nut 830 is transferredto the plates 832 and seals 850 and to the plurality of gripping devices810 or wedge jaws 812. When sufficient force is transferred from the nut830 to the plurality of gripping devices 810 or wedge jaws 812 toovercome the retaining biasing force of the biasing bands 814, theplurality of gripping devices 810 or wedge jaws 812 collectively and/orconcurrently actuate, activate, and/or motivate under the force and movetowards the fixed wedge cone 822 and the biasing bands 814 extendtowards the pipe inner surface 12 a. The interior surfaces 818 of theplurality of gripping devices 810 or wedge jaws 812 collectively and/orconcurrently slide outward against the incline 825 of the fixed wedgecone 822 to expand outwards and all gripping devices 810 collectivelyengage, grip, lock onto or secure the pipe inner surface 12 a, via theouter surface 840. In FIGS. 56-57, to retract or disengage the grippingdevices 810 or jaws 812 from the actuated position, the nut 830 isrotated in an opposite direction thus relieving the force applied uponthe plurality of gripping devices 810 or jaws 812. The biasing orretaining force of the biasing bands 814 then bias or retract towardsthe tube 802, thus collectively and/or concurrently disengaging orretracting the gripping devices 810 or jaws 812 down the taper orincline 825 of the wedge cone 822. The gripping devices 810 or wedgejaws 812 collectively and/or concurrently move in the reverse oropposite direction away or disengaging from the pipe inner surface 12 atowards the tube 802, and the gripping force between the grippingapparatus 800 and the pipe 12 is released.

FIGS. 60-66 represents an exemplary embodiment of a collectivelyactuated-retracted and instantly gripping apparatus or plug 900 forinsertion into a pipe 12, and for hand operated insertion, actuation andretraction of a gripping apparatus or plug 900. The collectivelyactuated-retracted and instantly gripping apparatus 900 may includediscrete gripping devices 910 or wedge jaws 912, as actuated by anycollectively actuated force transferring element, such as a washer 908,spring 906, cup 907, plate 932, or nut 930, such that an outer grippingsurface 940 of the discrete gripping devices 910 grips against the pipe12. The gripping apparatus 900 may also include an inner rod or tube 902having threading 904 on the tube 902 towards a front end 901 a and arear end 901 b of the tube 902. The tube may optionally define athroughbore 903.

The “instantly gripping” or “instant gripping” as described for thegripping apparatus 900 may refer to the outer surface 940 of thediscrete gripping devices 910 and/or wedge jaws 912 immediatelyengaging, securing, gripping or contacting the inner diameter 12 a uponinitial insertion (see e.g. FIG. 62). The “instantly gripping” or“instant gripping” as described for the gripping apparatus 900 may alsorefer to the nut 930 (or other collective and/or concurrentactuating-retracting element) fully tightening to the torquespecification at the desired position for the gripping apparatus 900 toimmediately engage, secure, grip and contact the discrete grippingdevices 910 and/or wedge jaws 912 with full tension against the pipeinner diameter 12 a (see e.g. FIG. 64).

One or more cones, cone wedges, tapered wedges or wedge blocks 920 maybe slidably mounted onto the tube 902. The cone 920 may be substantiallyconical or frustoconical in shape, and may be positioned such that thepoint 827 of the wedge cone 920 is directed towards the front end 901 aof the tube 902. The wedge cone 920 may have a ramp or outer surface 926that may include antifriction coatings or antifriction devices to reducethe deterioration of the surface 926.

The gripping apparatus 900 may include one or more discrete grippingdevices 910. The discrete gripping devices 910 may be one or more gaps911 (see e.g. FIG. 66) between each discrete gripping device 910 whichmay expand when the discrete gripping devices 910 are engaged againstthe pipe 12. A singular collectively or cooperatively gripping device910 is considered within the disclosed embodiments herein.

Furthermore, the plurality of discrete gripping devices 910 may eachinclude an inner surface 918 configured to set or rest against the outersurface or ramp 926 of the cone wedge 920. One or both of the innersurface 918 or the outer surfaces 926 may have an antifriction coatingor device. The inner surface 918 of the plurality of discrete grippingdevices 910 may form or be in the shape of a hollow conical pocket whichmatingly matches with the ramp or outer surfaces 926 of the wedge cones920. The outer surface 940 of each discrete gripping device 910 or wedgejaw 912 may extend beyond the pipe inner diameter 12 a (see, forexample, FIG. 61) in the instantly gripping apparatus 900 such that thepipe inner diameter 12 a is engaged by the discrete gripping devices 910as the discrete gripping devices 910 are inserted into the pipe 12.

The discrete gripping devices 910 may define slots or grooves 916circumferentially around, about or across the outer surface 940 of theplurality of discrete gripping devices 910. Circumferential biasingbands (such as, for example spring bands or band retraction springs,O-rings, or the like) 914 as inserted into the slots or grooves 916 mayretain or bias the plurality of discrete gripping devices 910 in thegripping apparatus 900. Said circumferential biasing bands 914 may alsobe used for collective and/or concurrent retraction or disengagement ofthe discrete gripping devices 910 from gripping the pipe interiorsurface 12 a. Each and every collectively or mutually biasing bands 914may simultaneously collectively extend towards the pipe inside 12 a, andsubsequently, then simultaneously collectively retract each and everygripping device 910 and/or wedge jaw 912. The biasing bands 914 maycollectively extend towards the pipe interior surface 12 a as thebiasing force of the biasing bands 914 is overcome, and may collectivelyretract or bias back towards the rod or tube 902 at other times, or whenthe biasing force of the biasing bands 914 is not overcome.

The outer surface 940 of the wedge jaws 912 or discrete gripping devices910 may optionally have one or more transition surface(s) 919. Furtherdiscussion of similar transition surfaces 398 may be found in thedescription relating to FIGS. 37-40 and FIGS. 45-46. The outer surface940 may also include a coating, surface coating or texturing 942 on saidouter surface 940. The surface coating or texturing 942 may include abinding layer and a grit (see FIGS. 53-57 and related discussion).

One or more seals 950, clamping plates (or plates) 932 and/or washers908 may be mounted onto the tube 902 adjacent to the discrete grippingdevices 910 and wedge cone 920. A nut 930 and a compression springactuator 905 may be mounted on an end of the gripping apparatus 900adjacent to each other, towards the front end 901 a of the seals 950,plates 932, washers 908 and/or wedge cone 920. The collectively orcoactively nut 930 may be threaded onto the rod 902. The nut 930 maycollectively transfer and remove force from the compression springactuator 905, seals 950, plates 932, washers 908 and/or wedge cone 920to collectively actuate and retract the gripping apparatus 900,respectively. The nut 930 may be one exemplary embodiment of acollective actuation-retraction mechanism, but other kinds or types ofcollective actuation-retraction mechanisms are possible and consideredwithin the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, levers,cams, springs, chains, headed pins, pivoting links, cage, cables,tethers, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic mechanisms.

The compression spring actuator 905 may be mounted adjacent to the nut930, wherein the compression spring actuator 905 is optionallysandwiched between washers 908 and positioned such that the force fromthe nut 930 is transferred to the compression spring actuator 905. Thecollectively or aggregately compression spring actuator 905 may includea spring cup or housing 907 and a spring 906. The cup or housing 907 maycontain or house a portion or end of the spring 906. The collectively oraggregately cup 907 and the collectively or aggregately spring 906 maybe adjacent to the discrete gripping devices 910, a wedge cone 920,washers 908, seal 950, and/or plates 932. Once into position at thedesired depth within the pipe 12, and upon sufficient force from the nut930, the compression spring actuator 905 collectively andinstantaneously actuates the discrete gripping devices 910 to gripagainst the interior diameter 12 a of the pipe 12.

Before insertion, the nut 930 is tightened to a point where the outersurface 940 of discrete gripping devices 910 or wedge jaws 912 extendbeyond the pipe inner diameter 12 a. In FIG. 61, the gripping device 900is initially inserted or pushed into the pipe 12. The outer surface 940of the gripping devices 910 and the wedge jaws 912 may also hit orengage an end of the pipe 12 upon insertion. In FIG. 62, the continuedinsertion of gripping apparatus 900 pushes the discrete gripping devices910 or wedge jaws 912 into the wedge cone 920. The discrete grippingdevices 910 or wedge jaws 912 are now biased against the pipe internaldiameter 12 a and instantly grip or engage the pipe internal diameter 12a. The spring 906 should not be fully compressed while in steps of FIG.61-63 (i.e. there should still be room to compress spring 906)—thiscombined with the nut's 930 and spring's 906 initial pre-biasing of thewedge jaws 912 to extend beyond the inner diameter 12 a of the pipe 12allows the gripping apparatus 900 to continue to be slid, pushed, orinserted into the pipe 12 as the wedge jaws 912 grip against the pipeinner diameter 12 a, yet blocks and prevents the gripping apparatus 900from being removed from the pipe 12. In FIG. 63, the discrete grippingdevices 910 or wedge jaws 912 are placed or have reached to the desireddepth in the pipe 12. Even with the seal 950 not yet compressed, thediscrete gripping devices 910 and/or wedge jaws 912 will keep thegripping apparatus 900 from being ejected from the pipe 12. In FIG. 64,the nut 930 is tightened to the torque specification to further engagethe spring actuator cup 907 fully against the washer 908, furtherinstantly gripping and securing the discrete gripping devices 910 and/orwedge jaws 912 with the full nut/bolt tension against the pipe innerdiameter 12 a and, also expanding the optional seal 950 to seal the pipe12. In FIG. 65, after use and removal of any back pressure, the nut 930may be backed off, untightened, or reversed, to allow the band springs(garter springs or O-rings) 914 to retract the discrete gripping devices910 and/or wedge jaws 912 down the wedge cone 920 and such that thediscrete gripping devices 910 and/or wedge jaws 912 are no longer incontact with the pipe inner diameter 12 a. The seal 950 may also returnto its steady state size, allowing the removal of the gripping apparatus900 from the pipe 12. Note that in FIG. 65, the position of the nut 930on the tube 902 is backed off to a position further back than theposition of the nut 930 in FIG. 61 upon initial insertion (in which thenut 930 is threaded farther down the tube 902 to ‘set’ the spring 906 tobias the gripping devices 910 and wedge jaws 912).

While the embodiments are described with reference to variousimplementations and exploitations, it will be understood that theseembodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subjectmatter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additionsand improvements are possible. For example, a spring may be combined ina wedge jaw in a dual wedge jaw design.

Plural instances may be provided for components, operations orstructures described herein as a single instance. In general, structuresand functionality presented as separate components in the exemplaryconfigurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component.Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single componentmay be implemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope ofthe inventive subject matter.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A gripping apparatus, for use in connectingto a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, comprising: atleast one discrete gripping device mounted in a body; an outer surfaceon each of the at least one discrete gripping device, wherein the outersurface has a coating; a collective actuation-retractable mechanismconnected to the body; a collective extension-retractable mechanismconnected to each of the at least one discrete gripping device; and aspring connected to the collective actuation-retraction mechanism,wherein an end of the spring is connected to the at least one discretegripping device, and further wherein the at least one discrete grippingdevice is each initially biased by the spring to extend beyond theinside radius.
 2. The gripping apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe at least one discrete gripping device defines a gap between each ofthe at least one discrete gripping device.
 3. The gripping apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the outer surface defines one or moreslots.
 4. The gripping apparatus according to claim 3, wherein thecollective extension-retractable mechanism comprises a biasing band andfurther wherein the biasing band is inserted into the slot.
 5. Thegripping apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the coating comprises abinding layer and a grit evenly distributed on the binding layer.
 6. Thegripping apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the grit has a gritsize larger than #120.
 7. The gripping apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the coating further comprises a grit exposed above the outersurface.
 8. The gripping apparatus according to claim 7, wherein thegrit has a grit size larger than #120.
 9. The gripping apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the coating further comprises a bindinglayer beneath the grit.
 10. The gripping apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the coating on the outer surface is comprised of tungstencarbide.
 11. The gripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecoating on the outer surface is comprised of silicon carbide.
 12. Thegripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coating on theouter surface is comprised of diamond with binder.
 13. The grippingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coating on the outer surfaceis comprised of quartz with binder.
 14. The gripping apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the outer surface is harder than a surface of theinside radius of the pipe.
 15. The gripping apparatus according to claim1, wherein the coating on the outer surface is comprised of fracturedcarbide.
 16. A gripping apparatus, for use in connecting to a pipewherein the pipe defines an inside radius, comprising a wedge cone inthe gripping apparatus; at least one wedge jaw slidably mounted againstthe wedge cone; an outer surface defined on each of the at least onewedge jaw; a coating on each outer surface; a spring connected to the atleast one wedge jaw, wherein the spring is initially configured to biasthe outer surface of each of the at least one wedge jaw beyond theinside radius; a nut threaded onto the gripping apparatus, wherein thenut is configured to transfer and to remove force collectively to thespring and the at least one wedge jaw; and a biasing band mounted aroundthe at least one wedge jaw, wherein the biasing band is configuredcollectively to extend the at least one wedge jaw towards the insideradius of the pipe and to retract the at least one wedge jaw from theinside radius of the pipe.
 17. The gripping apparatus of claim 16,wherein the coating comprises a binding layer and a grit exposed abovethe binding layer.
 18. The gripping apparatus of claim 17, wherein thegrit is a carbide grit.
 19. The gripping apparatus of claim 18, whereinthe grit has a sieve designation larger than 125 μm.
 20. The grippingapparatus of claim 19, wherein the binding layer comprises a brazingcompound.